Cytochrome c Oxidase Influences Pyraclostrobin Sensitivity in Fusarium graminearum by Regulating FgAox Through Transcription Factors FgAod2 and FgAod5.

Cytochrome c oxidase (Cox) is a crucial terminal oxidase in the electron transport chain. In this study, we generated 14 Cox gene deletion or overexpression mutants in Fusarium graminearum. Fungicide sensitivity tests revealed that 11 Cox gene deletion mutants displayed resistance to pyraclostrobin, while 10 overexpression mutants showed hypersensitivity. RNA-Seq and RT-qPCR analyses demonstrated the upregulation of FgAox (alternative oxidase in F. graminearum), FgAod2, and FgAod5 (alternative oxidase deficiency in F. graminearum) in ΔFgCox4-2 and ΔFgCox17-75 mutants. In 11 Cox gene deletion mutants, FgAox expression was significantly upregulated, whereas in 10 Cox gene overexpression mutants, it was significantly downregulated. FgAox overexpression mutants exhibit resistance to pyraclostrobin, while FgAox deletion mutants show hypersensitivity to pyraclostrobin. FgAod2 and FgAod5 were identified as transcription factors for FgAox. Our findings reveal that FgCox influences pyraclostrobin sensitivity by regulating FgAox through FgAod2 and FgAod5. Understanding pyraclostrobin resistance mechanisms in F. graminearum could help develop better fungicide rotation and application strategies to manage resistance and guide the creation of new fungicides targeting different pathways.

Identification of the histone acetyltransferase gene family in the Artemisia annua genome.

As the most effective therapeutic drug for malaria, artemisinin can only be extracted from Artemisia annua L., which is sensitive to the surrounding growing habitat. Histone acetyltransferases (HATs) contain acetyl groups, which modulate mRNA transcription and thereby regulate plant environmental adaptation. Comprehensive analyses of HATs have been performed in many plants, but systematic identification of HATs in medicinal plants is lacking. In the present study, we identified 11 AaHATs and characterized these genes into four classes according to their conserved protein structures. According to the phylogenetic analysis results, potential functions of HAT genes from Arabidopsis thaliana, Oryza sativa, and A. annua were found. According to our results, AaHAT has a highly conserved evolutionary history and is rich in highly variable regions; thus, AaHAT has become a comparatively ideal object of medical plant identification and systematic study. Moreover, motifs commonly present in histone acetyltransferases in the A. annua genome may be associated with functional AaHATs. AaHATs appear to be related to gene-specific functions. AaHATs are regulated by cis-elements, and these genes may affect phytohormone responsiveness, adaptability to stress, and developmental growth. We performed expression analyses to determine the potential roles of AaHATs in response to three environmental stresses. Our results revealed a cluster of AaHATs that potentially plays a role in the response of plants to dynamic environments.

Correlations of chemical weathering indicators with major chemical constituents in sediments to obtain palaeoclimate information from Chaohu Lake, China.

The main chemical compositions of 201 surface sediments and 53 deep sediment samples from Chaohu Lake, China, were analysed. Since the surface sediments (0-2 cm depth) in Chaohu Lake are modern sediments, this paper mainly focuses on the deep sediments (50-100 cm depth) in Chaohu Lake. Particle size analysis and magnetization determination of the CH3 and CH4 column sediment samples were carried out. The age determination data of the CH-1 column sediment samples are reported. A systematic study of the rocks and their chemical compositional characteristics in the Chaohu Lake Basin was also carried out. The results of this study show that four positive chemical weathering indicators and one negative chemical weathering indicator are applicable to the study of Chaohu Lake. The mean CIA of the Chaohu Lake sediments was less than 65, indicating that the Chaohu Lake Basin experienced weak chemical weathering and that the palaeoclimate was cold and dry. Vertical variations in the mean grain size and magnetization in the CH3 and CH4 columnar sediments reflect changes in the depositional environment and climate during deposition of the Chaohu Lake sediments. The age data from the CH-1 column sediment samples directly indicate deposition of the deep sediments in Chaohu Lake during the Little Ice Age in eastern China (AD 1380-1880). The Th/U, Sc/Th, Rb/Sr, Na2O/K2O, CaO/MgO and OC/N ratios of the Chaohu sediments reflect palaeoclimate characteristics and the chemical compositions of the source rocks in the Chaohu Lake basin. The correlations of the CIA, CIW, PIA, and CIX with the chemical compositional ratios provide information on the palaeoclimate and the distribution of the chemical compositions. The CIA, CIW, PIA, and CIX were not correlated with Cd, Pb, As, Hg, or P. In contrast, the CIA, CIW, PIA, and CIX were significantly positively correlated with Cr and N. The WIP was inconsistently correlated with the selected chemical components. Therefore, the study of the correlations of chemical weathering indicators with four heavy metals and two eutrophication-related elements is of little significance. The study of the chemical weathering characteristics of deep sediments of inland lakes should be combined with assessment of the geological characteristics of the lake basins, particularly the analysis of the chemical composition of the rocks in the lake basins.

Multidimensional biological characteristics of ground glass nodules.

The detection rate of ground glass nodules (GGNs) has increased in recent years because of their malignant potential but relatively indolent biological behavior; thus, correct GGN recognition and management has become a research focus. Many scholars have explored the underlying mechanism of the indolent progression of GGNs from several perspectives, such as pathological type, genomic mutational characteristics, and immune microenvironment. GGNs have different major mutated genes at different stages of development; EGFR mutation is the most common mutation in GGNs, and p53 mutation is the most abundant mutation in the invasive stage of GGNs. Pure GGNs have fewer genomic alterations and a simpler genomic profile and exhibit a gradually evolving genomic mutation profile as the pathology progresses. Compared to advanced lung adenocarcinoma, GGN lung adenocarcinoma has a higher immune cell percentage, is under immune surveillance, and has less immune escape. However, as the pathological progression and solid component increase, negative immune regulation and immune escape increase gradually, and a suppressive immune environment is established gradually. Currently, regular computer tomography monitoring and surgery are the main treatment strategies for persistent GGNs. Stereotactic body radiotherapy and radiofrequency ablation are two local therapeutic alternatives, and systemic therapy has been progressively studied for lung cancer with GGNs. In the present review, we discuss the characterization of the multidimensional molecular evolution of GGNs that could facilitate more precise differentiation of such highly heterogeneous lesions, laying a foundation for the development of more effective individualized treatment plans.

Sensitive detection of infectious disease utilizing carbon Sphere@Fe3O4 micromotor combined with graphene field-effect transistor.

BACKGROUND: Rapid on-site detection of infectious diseases is considerably essential for preventing and controlling major epidemics and maintaining social and public safety. However, the complexity of the natural environment in which infectious disease pathogens exist severely disrupts the performance of on-site detection, and rapid detection can become meaningless because of the cumbersome sample pretreatment process. RESULT: Herein, a new detection platform based on a carbon sphere@Fe3O4 micromotor (CS@Fe3O4) in combination with a graphene field-effect transistor (GFET) was designed and used for the on-site detection of SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus pathogens. The CS@Fe3O4 micromotor, surface-modified with anti-SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus antibody, could move at a velocity of 79.4 µm/s in a solution containing hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and exhibited capture rates of 67.9% and 36.2% for the SARS-CoV-2 pathogen in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) and soil solutions, respectively. After magnetic field separation, the captured micromotor was used for GFET detection, with detection limits of 4.6 and 15.6 ag/mL in PBS and soil solutions, respectively. SIGNIFICANCE AND NOVELTY: This detection platform can be employed to avoid complex sample pretreatment procedures and achieve rapid on-site detection of SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus pathogens in complex environments. This study introduces a novel approach for the on-site detection of infectious diseases.

The relationship between fear of cancer recurrence and death anxiety among Chinese cancer patients: the serial mediation model.

AIMS: This study aims to investigate the association between fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) and death anxiety (DA) among Chinese cancer patients, while considering the mediating effects of experiential avoidance (EA) and meaning in life (MIL). METHODS: From February to June 2023, convenience sampling was used to select newly diagnosed cancer patients in a tertiary Cancer Hospital in Chinese Hunan Province as the survey objects. A total of 436 cancer patients completed the Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory, the Meaning in Life Questionnaire, the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II, and the Templer's death anxiety scale. Descriptive analysis and Pearson correlation analysis were conducted using SPSS 28.0 software. Serial mediation analysis was performed by Hayes' PROCESS macro. RESULTS: Gender, age, educational level, marital status, residence, occupation, per capita monthly household income, tumor type, and cancer stage were controlled in the model. The results revealed that fear of cancer recurrence had a significant direct effect on death anxiety (Effect = 0.075, 95% CI: 0.064 to 0.087). Additionally, three indirect pathways were identified: (1) through experiential avoidance (Effect = 0.037, 95% CI: 0.026 to 0.049), (2) through meaning in life (Effect = 0.022, 95% CI: 0.014 to 0.031), and (3) through the serial mediators involving meaning in life and experiential avoidance (Effect = 0.016, 95% CI: 0.010 to 0.023). The total indirect effect of the three mediation paths was 63.56%. CONCLUSION: Fear of cancer recurrence is a significant psychological distress experienced by cancer patients, which not only directly contributes to death anxiety but also may triggers changes, such as experiential avoidance and meaning in life. Ultimately, this comprehensive psychological distress leads to death anxiety.

Effectiveness of Virtual Reality Technology in Symptom Management of Patients at the end of life: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this review was to explore the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) technology in symptom management of patients at the end of life. DESIGN: This is a systematic review and meta-analysis, which has been registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022344679). SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Patients at the end of life. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, JBI, EBSCO, CNKI, Wanfang, and SinoMed were searched from inception to July 31, 2023. Search terms included "virtual reality" and "end-of-life." Articles were screened according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The random effects model was used to calculate the standardized mean difference (SMD), and the fixed effects model was used to calculate the mean difference (MD). The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool 2.0 and JBI Evaluation tool were used to assess the risk of bias. The I2 statistic was used to measure heterogeneity between studies. Forest plots were used for analysis. RESULTS: A total of 234 patients at the end of life from 3 randomized controlled trials and 6 quasi-experimental studies were included. Compared with pre-VR intervention, the pain [standardized mean difference (SMD) -0.89, 95% CI -1.29 to -0.48, P < .05], shortness of breath [mean difference (MD) -0.98, 95% CI -0.98-0.51, P < .05], depression (MD -0.62, 95% CI -0.85 to -0.40, P < .05), and anxiety (SMD -0.93, 95% CI -1.50 to 0.36, P < .05) of patients at the end of life was significantly improved after VR intervention. However, there were no significant differences observed in tiredness, drowsiness, nausea, and lack of appetite. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: VR technology can be effective in improving pain, shortness of breath, depression, and anxiety in patients at the end of life. For tiredness, drowsiness, nausea, and lack of appetite, further research is required.

Constructing Thermal Convection Film for Low Heat Loss and High Salt Resistance in Wood-Based Solar Evaporators.

Unique suspension solar evaporator is one of the effective measures to address the major bottleneck of the emerging interfacial evaporators, i.e., the accumulation of salts on the surface. Yet, it remains a considerable challenge to avoid substantial heat loss underwater. Herein, a suspension wood-based evaporator is proposed with a thermal convection structure that effectively balances the contradiction between salt-resistance ability and heat loss. Benefitting from the heat centralization due to thermal convection, such suspension evaporator exhibits an excellent steam generation rate, which increases from 1.23 to 1.63 kg m-2 h-1 compared to the conventional suspension evaporator. Simultaneously, the steam generation rate retention improves from 64.9% over 20 test cycles to nearly 100% compared to the interfacial evaporator. This work provides an effective pathway for exploring efficient and stable suspension evaporators, offering essential directions for the future development and application of solar-driven evaporation technologies.

The mediating role of meaning in life between experiential avoidance and death anxiety among cancer patients: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Death anxiety is thought to cause a range of mental disorders among cancer patients, which may affect their mental health and even quality of life. This study sought to investigate experiential avoidance, meaning in life, and death anxiety among Chinese cancer patients and then explore the relationship between these 3 variables. METHODS: A total of 300 cancer patients recruited from a tertiary cancer hospital participated in this study from October to December 2021. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a demographic and clinical characteristics questionnaire, the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire II, the Meaning in Life Questionnaire, and Templer's Death Anxiety Scale. Correlation analysis, hierarchical regression analysis, and mediating effect analysis were used to analyze the relationship among experiential avoidance, meaning in life (including 2 dimensions: presence of meaning and search for meaning), and death anxiety. RESULTS: A total of 315 questionnaires were distributed, and 300 valid questionnaires were returned, resulting in a valid response rate of 95.2%. Experiential avoidance (r = 0.552, p < 0.01) was moderately positively correlated with death anxiety. Presence of meaning (r = - 0.400, p < 0.01) was moderately negatively correlated with death anxiety, while search for meaning (r = - 0.151, p < 0.01) was weakly negatively correlated with death anxiety. Regression analysis showed that experiential avoidance (ß = 0.464) and presence of meaning (ß = -0.228) were predictors of death anxiety. Mediating effect analysis revealed that presence of meaning either completely or partially mediated the effect of experiential avoidance and death anxiety, and the indirect effect accounted for 14.52% of the total effect. CONCLUSION: Overall, experiential avoidance predicts death anxiety in cancer patients, and meaning in life can mediate this effect. The results of this study provide a new path for studying the mechanism of death anxiety and suggest a more positive and promising strategy for its management.

On-site detection of infectious disease based on CaCO3-based magnetic micromotor integrated with graphene field effect transistor.

A new detection platform based on CaCO3-based magnetic micromotor (CaCO3@Fe3O4) integrated with graphene field effect transistor (GFET) was construct and used for on-site SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus pathogen detection. The CaCO3@Fe3O4 micromotor, which was modified with anti-SARS-CoV-2 (labelled antibody, AntiE1), can self-moved in the solution containing hydrochloric acid (HCl) and effective to capture the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus pathogens. After magnetic field separation, the capture micromotor was detected by GFET, exhibiting a good linear relationship within the range of 1 ag/mL to 100 ng/mL and low detection limit (0.39 ag/mL). Furthermore, the detection platform was also successfully applied to detection of SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus pathogens in soil solution, indicating the potential use in on-site application.

Laser-Guided, Self-Confined Graphitization for High-Conductivity Embedded Electronics.

Facile fabrication of highly conductive and self-encapsulated graphene electronics is in urgent demand for carbon-based integrated circuits, field effect transistors, optoelectronic devices, and flexible sensors. The current fabrication of these electronic devices is mainly based on layer-by-layer techniques (separate circuit preparation and encapsulation procedures), which show multistep fabrication procedures, complicated renovation/repair procedures, and poor electrical property due to graphene oxidation and exfoliation. Here, we propose a laser-guided interfacial writing (LaserIW) technique based on self-confined, nickel-catalyzed graphitization to directly fabricate highly conductive, embedded graphene electronics inside multilayer structures. The doped nickel is used to induce chain carbonization, which firstly enhances the photothermal effect to increase the confined temperature for initial carbonization, and the generated carbon further increases the light-absorption capacity to fabricate high-quality graphene. Meanwhile, the nickel atoms contribute to the accelerated connection of carbon atoms. This interfacial carbonization inherently avoids the exfoliation and oxidation of the as-formed graphene, resulting in an 8-fold improvement in electrical conductivity (~20,000 S/m at 7,958 W/cm2 and 2 mm/s for 20% nickel content). The LaserIW technique shows excellent stability and reproducibility, with ±2.5% variations in the same batch and ±2% variations in different batches. Component-level wireless light sensors and flexible strain sensors exhibit excellent sensitivity (665 kHz/(W/cm2) for passive wireless light sensors) and self-encapsulation (<1% variations in terms of waterproof, antifriction, and antithermal shock). Additionally, the LaserIW technique allows for one-step renovation of in-service electronics and nondestructive repair of damaged circuits without the need to disassemble encapsulation layers. This technique reverses the layer-by-layer processing mode and provides a powerful manufacturing tool for the fabrication, modification, and repair of multilayer, multifunctional embedded electronics, especially demonstrating the immense potential for in-space manufacturing.

Experiences of patients with advanced cancer coping with chronic pain: a qualitative analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To gain insight into the perceptions, and beliefs of patients with advanced cancer coping with chronic pain and to identify their attitudes and demands on pain management. METHODS: From July to September 2022, 17 patients with advanced cancer living with chronic pain were recruited from a tertiary cancer hospital in Hunan Province, China. Qualitative and semi-structured interviews were conducted individually, with 30-45 minutes for each. The Colaizzi 7-step analysis method in phenomenological research was used for data analysis. RESULTS: The experience of pain acceptance by advanced cancer patients with chronic pain was summarized into four themes: pain catastrophizing (unable to ignore the pain, try various methods to relieve the pain, exaggerating pain perception, and lack of knowledge about proper pain management), rumination (compulsive rumination and worrying rumination), avoidance coping (situational avoidance and repressive avoidance) and constructive action (setting clear value goal and taking reciprocal action). CONCLUSION: Most patients with advanced cancer had low pain acceptance and negative attitudes. Feeling helpless in the face of pain and suffering alone were their norm. Long-term negative emotions could lead to gradual depression and loss of hope for treatment, resulting in pain catastrophizing and persistent rumination. Nevertheless, a few patients accepted pain with positive attitudes. Medical professionals should pay more attention to the psychological status of advanced cancer patients with chronic pain, and employ alternative therapies, for example, cognitive behavioral therapy. More efforts are needed to reduce patients' pain catastrophizing, and promote their pain acceptance by a better understanding of pain through health education.

Flash healing of laser-induced graphene.

The advancement of laser-induced graphene (LIG) technology has streamlined the fabrications of flexible graphene devices. However, the ultrafast kinetics triggered by laser irradiation generates intrinsic amorphous characteristics, leading to high resistivity and compromised performance in electronic devices. Healing graphene defects in specific patterns is technologically challenging by conventional methods. Herein, we report the rapid rectification of LIG's topological defects by flash Joule heating in milliseconds (referred to as F-LIG), whilst preserving its overall structure and porosity. The F-LIG exhibits a decreased ID/IG ratio from 0.84 - 0.33 and increased crystalline domain from Raman analysis, coupled with a 5-fold surge in conductivity. Pair distribution function and atomic-resolution imaging delineate a broader-range order of F-LIG with a shorter C-C bond of 1.425 Å. The improved crystallinity and conductivity of F-LIG with excellent flexibility enables its utilization in high-performance soft electronics and low-voltage disinfections. Notably, our F-LIG/polydimethylsiloxane strain sensor exhibits a gauge factor of 129.3 within 10% strain, which outperforms pristine LIG by 800%, showcasing significant potential for human-machine interfaces.

Psychological adjustment to death anxiety: a qualitative study of Chinese patients with advanced cancer.

OBJECTIVES: Death anxiety (DA) refers to the negative emotions experienced when a person reflects on the inevitability of their own death, which is common among patients with cancer. It is crucial to understand the causes, coping styles and adjustment processes related to DA. The purpose of this qualitative study is to explore the adaptation process and outcome of patients with advanced cancer with DA and to provide evidence-based support for the development of targeted intervention measures to improve the mental health of such patients. DESIGN: This cross-sectional qualitative study sampled patients with advanced cancer (n=20). Grounded theory procedures were used to analyse transcripts and a theoretical model generated. SETTING: All interviewees in this study were from a tertiary oncology hospital in Hunan Province, China. The data analysis followed the constructive grounded theory method, involving constant comparison and memo writing. PARTICIPANTS: A purposive and theoretical sampling approach was used to recruit 20 patients with advanced cancer with diverse characteristics. RESULTS: A total of 20 participants were included in the study. Four stages of DA in patients with advanced cancer were extracted from the interview data: (1) death reminder and prominence; (2) perception and association; (3) defence and control; (4) transformation and Acceptance. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the psychological status and coping strategies of dynamic nature of patients with advanced cancer when confronted with negative emotions associated with death. It emphasises the importance of timely identification of DA in psychological nursing for patients with advanced cancer and the need for targeted psychological interventions based on their specific psychological processes. IMPLICATIONS: Knowing interventions that aim to promote the integration of internal and external resources, enhance self-esteem and facilitate a calm and accepting attitude towards death could ultimately reduce the overall DA of patients with advanced cancer.

Idiopathic mesenteric phlebosclerosis combined with melanosis coli in a 51-year-old woman.

Idiopathic mesenteric phlebosclerosis (IMP) is a rare ischemic colitis characterized by calcification of mesenteric veins and submucosal veins of the colon. Melanosis coli (MC) is a pigmented mucosal lesion comprising macrophages in the lamina propria of the colorectal mucosa that contain lipofuscin. This study reports a case of IMP combined with MC.Clinicians should consider medication history, bowel preparation, and thorough observation to prevent missed IMP diagnosis when coexisting with MC.

Trajectories of fear of cancer recurrence and its influence factors: A longitudinal study on Chinese newly diagnosed cancer patients.

OBJECTIVE: The fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is an ongoing and common psychological problem faced by cancer patients. The objective of this study was to explore the variation trend of FCR and its influencing factors in Chinese newly diagnosed cancer patients from admission to 2 months after discharge. Demographic and tumor characteristics, as well as experiential avoidance (EA), were used as predictors. METHOD: A longitudinal design and a consecutive sampling method were used to select 266 newly diagnosed cancer patients admitted to a tertiary cancer hospital in China from July to December 2022. Measurements of FCR and EA were obtained at admission (T1), 1 month after discharge (T2), and 2 months post-discharge (T3). Generalized estimating equations were used to identify factors associated with FCR for longitudinal data analysis. RESULTS: A total of 266 participants completed the follow-up. Both FCR and EA scores of patients with newly diagnosed cancer showed a significant trend of first increasing and then decreasing at baseline and follow-up (p < 0.001). The junior secondary and less education level, rural residence, advanced tumor and high EA level were risk factors for higher FCR. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that the FCR levels of most newly diagnosed cancer patients in China are different at the three time points and affected by different factors, with the highest level at 1 month after discharge. These results have significant implications for future identifying populations in need of targeted intervention based on their FCR trajectories.

Immune-stealth VP28-conjugated heparin nanoparticles for enhanced and reversible anticoagulation.

Heparins are a family of sulfated linear negatively charged polysaccharides that have been widely used for their anticoagulant, antithrombotic, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties. Additionally, it has been used for acute cerebral infarction relief as well as other pharmacological actions. However, heparin's self-aggregated macrocomplex may reduce blood circulation time and induce life-threatening thrombocytopenia (HIT) complicating the use of heparins. Nonetheless, the conjugation of heparin to immuno-stealth biomolecules may overcome these obstacles. An immunostealth recombinant viral capsid protein (VP28) was expressed and conjugated with heparin to form a novel nanoparticle (VP28-heparin). VP28-heparin was characterized and tested to determine its immunogenicity, anticoagulation properties, effects on total platelet count, and risk of inducing HIT in animal models. The synthesized VP28-heparin trimeric nanoparticle was non-immunogenic, possessed an average hydrodynamic size (8.81 ± 0.58 nm) optimal for the evasion renal filtration and reticuloendothelial system uptake (hence prolonging circulating half-life). Additionally, VP28-heparin did not induce mouse death or reduce blood platelet count when administered at a high dosein vivo(hence reducing HIT risks). The VP28-heparin nanoparticle also exhibited superior anticoagulation properties (2.2× higher prothrombin time) and comparable activated partial thromboplastin time, but longer anticoagulation period when compared to unfractionated heparin. The anticoagulative effects of the VP28-heparin can also be reversed using protamine sulfate. Thus, VP28-heparin may be an effective and safe heparin derivative for therapeutic use.

Perioperative change trajectories and predictors of swallowing function and swallowing-related quality of life in patients with oral cancer: a longitudinal observational study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine change trajectories and predictors of swallowing function and swallowing-related quality of life (QoL) in perioperative patients with oral cancer. DESIGN: Longitudinal observational study. SETTING: A tertiary cancer hospital in Hunan Province, China. PARTICIPANTS: Patients with oral cancer scheduled for surgery were recruited using convenience sampling. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcomes were swallowing function and swallowing-related QoL. The secondary outcomes were the predictors of the swallowing function and swallowing-related QoL. METHODS: The participants completed the sociodemographic and clinical data questionnaire, Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 and MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory before surgery, 7 days after operation and 1 month after operation. Data were analysed using t-test, analysis of variance and generalised linear models. RESULTS: Among 138 participants who completed all the three surveys, 41 (29.71%) had moderate to severe dysphagia before surgery. Swallowing function and swallowing-related QoL changed over time, showing the trend of decline first and then increase. Preoperative swallowing function and swallowing-related QoL were affected by sex, lymphocyte level, preoperative nutritional risk and primary tumour site. At 7 days postoperatively, tracheotomy affected swallowing function. At 1 month postoperatively, age and marital status influenced swallowing function, whereas age, type of job and preoperative nutritional risk influenced swallowing-related QoL. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates that perioperative patients with oral cancer generally faced swallowing disorders, especially in the acute phase after surgery. Healthcare providers should pay attention to the swallowing function of perioperative patients with oral cancer, especially those with preoperative nutritional risk, tongue tumour, tracheotomy, age <60 years, and no spouse and the employed patients, and provide available interventions, such as swallowing and nutritional therapy, as early as possible to improve their swallowing function. Meanwhile, doctors should recommend the most evidence-based treatment options, such as reconstruction or not, preoperative chemotherapy or not, to patients.

Whole-Body Teleoperation Control of Dual-Arm Robot Using Sensor Fusion.

As human-robot interaction and teleoperation technologies advance, anthropomorphic control of humanoid arms has garnered increasing attention. However, accurately translating sensor-detected arm motions to the multi-degree freedom of a humanoid robotic arm is challenging, primarily due to occlusion issues with single-sensor setups, which reduce recognition accuracy. To overcome this problem, we propose a human-like arm control strategy based on multi-sensor fusion. We defined the finger bending angle to represent finger posture and employed a depth camera to capture arm movement. Consequently, we developed an arm movement tracking system and achieved anthropomorphic control of the imitation human arm. Finally, we verified our proposed method's effectiveness through a series of experiments, evaluating the system's robustness and real-time performance. The experimental results show that this control strategy can control the motion of the humanoid arm stably, and maintain a high recognition accuracy in the face of complex situations such as occlusion.

Sensor Fusion-Based Anthropomorphic Control of a Robotic Arm.

The main goal of this research is to develop a highly advanced anthropomorphic control system utilizing multiple sensor technologies to achieve precise control of a robotic arm. Combining Kinect and IMU sensors, together with a data glove, we aim to create a multimodal sensor system for capturing rich information of human upper body movements. Specifically, the four angles of upper limb joints are collected using the Kinect sensor and IMU sensor. In order to improve the accuracy and stability of motion tracking, we use the Kalman filter method to fuse the Kinect and IMU data. In addition, we introduce data glove technology to collect the angle information of the wrist and fingers in seven different directions. The integration and fusion of multiple sensors provides us with full control over the robotic arm, giving it flexibility with 11 degrees of freedom. We successfully achieved a variety of anthropomorphic movements, including shoulder flexion, abduction, rotation, elbow flexion, and fine movements of the wrist and fingers. Most importantly, our experimental results demonstrate that the anthropomorphic control system we developed is highly accurate, real-time, and operable. In summary, the contribution of this study lies in the creation of a multimodal sensor system capable of capturing and precisely controlling human upper limb movements, which provides a solid foundation for the future development of anthropomorphic control technologies. This technology has a wide range of application prospects and can be used for rehabilitation in the medical field, robot collaboration in industrial automation, and immersive experience in virtual reality environments.